Shellito
Biography
Based in Philadelphia, Shellito is an alternative pop/rock-guitar pop outfit that is led by singer/songwriter Mike Shellito. As the band's leader and founder, Mike Shellito has worn many hats; not only lead vocalist and producer, but also engineer. Mike Shellito, who writes or co-writes all of his band's material, has played several instruments on his albums (including guitar, drums, bass, keyboards, and percussion). On the band's studio recordings, Mike Shellito's right-hand man has been Jeff Tanner (who is also a member of a Philly-based group called the Photon Band). In addition to helping Mike Shellito with production and writing, Tanner has played guitar and bass with the band.
Formed in Philly in 1996, Shellito is a band that has been influenced by different rock eras. The guitar pop of the '60s and early '70s has obviously affected Mike Shellito's singing and songwriting; Simon & Garfunkel and the Byrds are both influences, and his hushed, subtle, relaxed vocal style has inspired comparisons to Art Garfunkel. However, his singing has also brought about comparisons to an alterna-rocker who didn't emerge until the '90s: singer/songwriter Elliott Smith.
Selected Discography
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